Buying A Dog – Some Things to Think About
Getting a dog pet can be challenging for those unsure of where to begin.
There was a time in the not so distant past when it was perfectly acceptable to decide after hearing your neighbor’s dog just had puppies to bring one home without much thought or consideration. It was also a time when the local feed store or pet store sometimes had a litter of puppies in the middle of the store that they were selling from someone in the town or because the local farmers dog had puppies. A time where farmer Joe’s dogs had babies and he posted about them in the local paper so you could ride out to his farm and take one home.
Times have changed and you need to be much more careful and selective when buying a dog for your family.
Right now if you bring home a new dog most people want to know what shelter or rescue it came from. There are all breed rescues, rescues that just work with old dogs, rescues that only work with a specific breed, and rescues that only work with large breeds. You can find a local rescue or search the country for your perfect dogs using http://petfinder.com And while we do think that shelter and rescue babies all deserve homes we also know that there are reasons in your own life that makes you want to find a dog from a breeder. And if you follow some basic tips you can find a happy healthy purebred dog that will be a member of your family for many years to come.
It is no longer acceptable to just take home a puppy without a lot of thought and research.
Let’s begin the discussion about your neighbor and their puppies. Was it a mistake litter that Mr. Smith’s Labrador got Mrs. Doe’s Sheltie pregnant one day? Did Mr. John just put his dog together with any old dog of the same breed to produce puppies? How healthy were the two dogs? And by healthy I don’t mean a trip to the vet and regular vaccinations. These are all good things but not enough. Do the Labradors each have hip problems (called Hip Dysplasia) they will be passing on their babies? Does the Shi Tzu have bad knees (called patella luxation) that could cripple their babies with pain by the time they are 5? These are not ok and completely preventable with proper consideration before the mating ever takes place. If you know what breed you are interested in the best place to start your search is AKC.org. You can check out information about the breed and locate the Breed Club which will be able to refer you to breeders in your area.
As a potential puppy buyer you should insist that the breeder has done the proper health testing for the breed.
Even if you get your recommendation for a breeder from the AKC or a Breed Parent Club ask to see a copy of the paperwork and certificates. Not all breeders are doing the right thing and it is perfectly acceptable to ask as many questions as you can think of and then call them back and ask some more both before and after taking your puppy home. A responsible ethical breeder while busy with their own jobs, family, and the raising of the puppies wants to know that you care. Feel free to ask to speak with other people who have gotten puppies from them to see not only what their experience was but how that puppy is doing today. Is it 3 and healthy living a good life? Maybe it is 11 and still running and playing with everyone. These are important things to know because it is an indication about how your puppy will be health wise as they get older. Get to know the breeder. They might not have puppies on the way for several months but once your puppy is here you will have tons of questions and want to stay in contact with them for the entire life of your dog.
Do you have any tips for someone Buying a Dog
This ought to be required reading for potential dog buyers/adopters…or at least something like it. When I was involved in rescue there was an entire checklist that we went through to help ensure the dog was going to a good home and one that could financially care for the dog.
Great post. Pets are a huge responsibility and should require classes before getting one
Teresha F recently posted..Monday Morning Parenting: What To Do When You and Your Kid Have a Personality Conflict
this is a great article for prospective dog owners!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Thanks for the great tip; I know a lot of my friends are considering getting a new pet, and it is a big decision!
I feel so horrible when I see pet stores now. I just have no idea if they got the dogs from breeders or where they got them from. We currently have two dogs and we adopted both, because of this. None of them came from stores.
Dawn
Dawn recently posted..Jennie-O Turkey Sausage Breakfast For Kids @SwitchToTurkey #MobilizingMillions #cbias #spon
Very good advice. My daughter has been begging for a dog so I am really enjoying all of your helpful information.
Jenn @comebackmomma recently posted..PV Body Review and Discount
Just a note to Dawn above….no responsible breeder ever sells their puppies through a pet store. A responsible breeder would never take the chance on where that pup would end up in a “sell to whoever walks through the door” environment like a pet store.
A responsible breeder will sell the puppy with a contract that requires the pup be returned to the breeder if ever a reason comes along where the buyer can no longer keep the pup.
Taryn recently posted..Corgi Distance
I really want a Great Dane, and am slowly beginning the process of determining whether or not owning a dog right now is in the best interests of the dog. This was helpful!
Its so sad to me though the puppies that are not deemed worthy of the gene pool. What happens to them?
Still Blonde after all these YEARS recently posted..Michelle Obama Inaugural Gown 2013 and Inauguration Day Dress
Every buddy should read this
Benny & Lily
This is a must read for all who wants to get a dog.
Jadey Sam recently posted..Winner of Hellow New Year Giveaway
Taryn is correct, no reputable breeder would ever sell to a pet shop or trade a pup for a credit card over the internet. NEVER buy a puppy sight unseen, ALWAYS visit where it was born and raised.
I really want a dog but I know I don’t have time to take care of one right now. Life is just too crazy. One day we will get one, these are great tips. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Tiffany C. recently posted..Just Because $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway
So horrible when pet stores do this. I never really thought about this but I now will!
mel recently posted..Sports Authority and One Million Strong!!